Adding sleeves to my dress.

You'd have to talk to the seamstress who is altering your dress. Also, with the ruffles on the bottom of the ballgown, I'd probably consider maybe simpler lace sleeves otherwise the look can end up being overwhelming. Basically, do searches for seamstress in your area to figure this out.

The other option is that some stores sell "toppers" like BHLDN that you can just wear over the top of your dress or even tucked into your dress. I don't know if they'll give you the exact look you want though.

Did you try dresses on with sleeves ? . I did .. and felt super bulky in them so passed . Im busty and made me look at least 20 lbs heavier up top

View Quoted Comment You know I am not even sure if it would look nice because like you said, it would be overwhelming. I love how it looks on the picture but having it on me I’m not sure, yet I can’t stop thinking I want it to look like that.

View Quoted Comment I actually did not. I have thought about going to try on dresses again with long sleeves. Then I don’t because I bought my dress and don’t want to like another dress. 😅
David’s didn’t really have long sleeve dresses so i guess that’s why i didn’t try on any. Well that and the fact that my arms are usually too big for the sleeves on “my size” clothing.

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pic of the back of my dress to show you the build up of straps AND sleeves. It was costly.

In that case, I'd ask your seamstress because they can usually hold fabric up for you and you can see what the look would be. I had custom sleeves added to my strapless dress that were 3/4 length; however, they had to build up the top too- essentially to add straps AND sleeves.

My SIL added fall of the shoulder sleeves to her strapless dress and it didn't cost much and looked very nice!

I have bigger arms and tried on long sleeve dresses- it looked terrible on me. I looked like I should be haunting a palace 100 years ago lol.

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I agree with this. If you want sleeves, I would recommend something very simple and not too long. Perhaps a cap sleeve because the bottom of your dress is very busy but pretty.

I had my dress custom made and found my dressmaker on Yelp. She recommended a place for me to buy my fabric and told me how much to buy after measuring me. I then found my silk buttons for the back of my dress online and she added them over the zipper to give me the look of having buttons.

Your dress is gorgeous and you look awesome in it just as it is, but if you want sleeves, I would consider a bolero jacket or something similar. You can find these at bridal stores, and online. Amazon even has them. Best of luck!

OMG!!!! It’s going to look great! 😍😍😍

It can be quite expensive. I had straps and swoop sleeves added and between that, the bustle, and the hem my alterations cost me ~$450.

View Quoted Comment I hadn’t thought about the straps having to be added too. I kind of pictured it in my head to be like a folded rectangle of sheer fabric and cut the hole for the head and work out the shape of the sleeves and bodice. Then just adding the appliqués. 😅
your dress looks gorgeous though. The lace looks so soft.

View Quoted Comment I like the buttons idea for my dress. I will look into it. I i think I need to see it with fabric on my arms to see if I really want it. 😄

View Quoted Comment Thank you! I actually have a couple saved on amazon just in case. 😁 I keep changing my mind on what exactly I want.

View Quoted Comment 😁😁😁 fingers crossed!

Omg your dress! You look beautiful! I was so undecided about my dress and the one you have on!! I love the train on yours and all the detail in the bodice. The way it sparkles it’s gorgeous. I get second thoughts sometimes on wether I choose the right dress. Maybe the fact that I have a picture with the veil and sash on and with MY dress I have none. I should delete the picture but I don’t want to. 😂😅
i was told it would be around $350 just for the bustle, hem, and take in if needed. I asked for a quote online and the place said around $250 for sleeves like the ones I want. $600 seems a lot for alterations ☹️ And I don’t even have the veil (the one I liked was $400+), shoes, jewelry, etc.